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2016 AWB Institute Manufacturing Excellence AwardApplication
CATEGORY: INNOVATION AWARD
ORBITER RACE TIMING SYSTEMS
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Orbiter: SETTING THE PACE FOR RACE TECHNOLOGYSince 2012,
Tacoma-based Orbiter Inc. has provided the most accurate, efficient
and reliable means of timing human-powered events.
From road races with elite runners to school fun runs, charity
stair climbs, triathlons and military fitness tests, Orbiter has
quickly become the leading race management solution thanks to its
innovative use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
Orbiter is also the only system in the world that can set up
quickly with a wireless connection — in most any configuration.
This fast and simple tracking system requires no cords, wires,
mats, or overhead antennas, and can easily be set up and ready to
time a race in just three minutes. Orbiter is revolutionizing the
race timing industry, while also reducing event costs and demands
on volunteers.
With Orbiter, anyone can time a race.
The Conversion Challenge: ACCURACY, SIMPLICITY, LOWER COST.
There are 23,000 timed events in the United States each year,
representing an $8.8 billion market, and switching timers from stop
watches to chip-timed mats or overhead timing systems, is a
challenge.
To make the switch, race timers require three key elements:
accuracy, simplicity and a lower price. First, the system needs to
perform precisely. From major marathons to school fun runs,
participant times must be recorded accurately. Orbiter does this
with the use of its phased detect antennas with unique software
control. Second, the system needs quick and to be simple set up.
Orbiter did this by converting bulky time detector hardware to
built-in software with programmable micro-controllers, saving
hundreds of dollars of time and money per unit. All this with a
patented method upheld in a St. Louis Federal patent suit. Other
timing systems require extensive set-up, often by multiple people,
using cords and wires that posed trip hazards to event volunteers
and participants. The Orbiter solution has streamlined the
technology and the set-up, without compromising results.
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The Solution: ORBITER RACE TIMING SYSTEMSOrbiter Race Timing
Systems are the result of a combination of issued patented software
and hardware solution using proven RFID technologies.
SOFTWARE Orbiter has revolutionized race timing through multiple
software innovations, including:
• NO MORE BOXES: Orbiter’s patented software harnesses the power
of RFID technology to provide continuous updates and accurate
timing for event participants. Our software has eliminated the need
for traditional plastic gear boxes with hardware at a race.
Instead, event volunteers simply sync our software using their
tablet or laptop with the Orbiter reader.
• CLONING: Races can be easily cloned for quick set up and
repeating events in a series. Orbiter is the only software with
reprocessing capabilities so event start times can be adjusted as
needed. This is especially important for the military where rapid
fire repeat fitness assessment testing is required.
• AUTONOMOUS OPERATION: Each Orbiter is reader is autonomous and
smart. Unlike other RFID readers that are slaves to a server,
Orbiter readers make smart decisions and do not need a live
connection to a server.
• MILITARY SIMPLICITY: Similar to modern weapon design, a
sixth-grader can operate the Orbiter. Want to launch Orbiter? Just
push the red button!
• SCALABLE TO WORLD SIZE APPLICATIONS: Software work is never
complete and Orbiter continually updates its code with the most
modern tools. This allows scalability and incorporation of the most
modern features both in terms of worldwide operation and
incorporation of new sensor technology.
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HARDWARE Orbiter leads the industry in its investments in
hardware, including:
• SIDE ANTENNA: The Orbiter side-antenna technology method
allows races to be timed accurately with 3-minute set up and ease.
Our patented side antenna technology allows precise control of the
RFID tags. Independent tests conducted by the military find the
Orbiter timing method is as accurate as or more accurate than mats
and overhead structures. The detection point is over the top of the
start finish line, providing 1/100th second accuracy according to
United States Air Force testing. Runners and cyclists can pass the
Orbiter tracker from anywhere in the race chute and be detected: No
other antenna technology can do this. It also eliminates tripping
hazards like timing mats and wires, and requires just one person to
set up and monitor.
• RFID TAGS: Orbiter offers multiple different RFID options for
event participants: From traditional race bibs inlaid with our
transponder chip to patented 3D tags mud races, triathlons and
military fitness assessments. We also offer wristband tags, which
can be traded easily between participants. For schools and military
fitness assessments, this is particularly important, as instructors
can track multiple classes of students over the course of a day
without having to use new tracking tags, saving time and money.
These innovative technologies make Orbiter an industry leader
and a contender for a 2016 AWB Innovation Award. In terms of
engineering and our business model, what Orbiter has accomplished
for deployment of a mobile RF device is much the same as building a
cellular phone. There is not a lot of difference other than the
look of the form factor; the challenges were the similar.
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Our Markets:
Schools ($ 2.2 billion market)
Running and race events are among the most popular physical
education activities in schools. From PE class to school
fundraisers, teachers and school groups are using Orbiter. Teachers
love the system because it is easy to use and takes less than three
minutes to set up. Students love the Orbiter School Kit because
they get instant feedback – the system beeps as students pass by,
motivating them to keep going.
Race Timing ($ 8.8 billion market)
From 5Ks and marathons and triathlons, If it’s human powered,
Orbiter can time it. Our systems are lightweight, quick to set up
and — most importantly — extremely accurate. Orbiter software is
available for use on a variety of devices, including tablets,
mobile phones and laptop computers.
Military ($ .5 billion market)
Over 20 U.S. military bases use Orbiter for fitness assessment
tests, as well as Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) races (e.g.,
road races, triathlons and bike races).
Road Runners Clubs of America (RRCA) has endorsed Orbiter for
use with its KIDS RUN THE NATION program. RRCA has 2,500 member
clubs.
How It Works:
STEP 1: Distribute RFID tags or bibs to participants.
STEP 4: Start racing!STEP 2: Roll the Orbiter out to the
START/FINISH line and turn it on.
STEP 3: Connect the Orbiter wireless radio to your laptop with
Orbiter software.
• 3-minute set up• Easy-to-use software• No wires, no mats,
no overhead signs necessary to track timing
• All weather, rugged design
• Results transmitted wirelessly or by cable to a computer or
tablet
• Data is quickly accessible in an Excel file format.
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Why Orbiter Matters:With more than 30 proven applications of
their technology, Orbiter is focused on growing the school and
timed race-event markets around the world. This includes
agriculture harvest tracking, aerospace tool tracking, automated
fueling, truck scales, 33 road tolls, point of sale, and supply
chain applications. Orbiter has a book of great software code for
any RFID application. However, race timing proves to be bigger
markets with quicker and more profitable sales — it’s easier than
all of the rest of the markets to make a profit. Market stability,
no committee decisions, or engineering delays. Just put the Orbiter
system in a box like a Dell computer and ship the solution.
Timeline:
2011 Patent Approved for Side Antenna
Approach
2012 CORT’sEnroller Encoder
2014 Tag Position Phased
Detect Antenna
2016 Tablet Control
Orbiter 4 Software
2011 Edwards AFB Fixed Base
Reader
2013 Omni Direction
3D RFID Tag
2015 Last Tag Detect Orbiter Reader Protocol (ORP)
Contact Information:
Greg Stewart, President 13500 Pacific Ave. S. Tacoma, WA
98444253.627.5588www.orbiter.com
